Roger Carl White

Roger Carl White, 80, passed away in the comfort of his home in Lebanon, NH on Sunday, January 22, 2023. He was with his family while under Hospice care for terminal prostate cancer.

Roger was born on June 8, 1942 in Haverhill, NH, the son of Ruth (Mason) and Chauncey White. He married Nancy (Park) White of White River Junction, Vermont in 1965. After nearly 24 happy years of marriage and raising two children, he was widowed in 1989. Though never remarrying, he subsequently shared many years with Colleen King. In his later years, he lived independently with the companionship of his cat, Chloe, and spent his time with family, and golfing friends.

In his early years, Roger (also known as “Whitey”) attended elementary school in Lebanon, NH and graduated proudly from Lebanon High School in the class of 1960 with a group of close friends who remained in touch for many years. He was a varsity athlete in basketball and track. Jumping was his specialty. In 1958 he was the New Hampshire Junior Olympics State Champion. Upon receiving a scholarship from Lebanon High School and being offered a spot on the basketball team at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada, he briefly attended college before opting to continue his electrician apprenticeship with Frank Cody Company in Lebanon, NH. In his 20s, he served as a member of the Army National Guard in Fort Dix, NJ. Roger became an accomplished electrician, working both locally and as a journeyman. He was promoted into managing people and projects, then later into office work. When asked to become president of the company, he declined, preferring to remain involved with the hands-on electrical work and the electricians. After interim employment with another local firm, Roger connected with Larry Richard who invited him to join the Richard Electric Company, where Roger was credited with helping the firm land and perform an important job for Dartmouth College. He mentored Steven Richard initially and went on to enjoy a nearly three-decade career with them, during which he led innumerable projects on the Dartmouth College campus. Roger gained friends and admirers along the way until he reluctantly retired in his late sixties to make way for a new generation. Roger maintained his electrician licenses for years after retirement so he could help friends and family. He took pride in mentoring, collaborating, working productively with employees, customers and leaders while managing projects to successful completion. Throughout his life he advised others to choose work that they enjoyed and to be dedicated to working at it, just as he had role modeled his entire career.

You could always find Roger with a toolbox in hand, planning or working on a home project. He smiled when driving his convertible or his tractor. He loved all sports and was a natural at any sport he took up. Never one for traveling, he enjoyed sunshine, games and athletics, and entertaining by the backyard swimming pool he meticulously maintained. He was competitive at all he did, including basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, golf, etc. In his later years he excelled in bowling and corn hole which he played with the “golf guys”. They regularly gathered for post-game dinner at the 99 Restaurant. Having once claimed he would never golf, he eventually agreed to try it and ultimately regretted starting so late in life. It’s hard to say if he most enjoyed the game itself, the competition, or the guys he played with over the decades. He was known for his short game and keeping the ball in the fairway. The only reason he ever missed a golf outing was to attend his grandchildren’s athletics, which he followed closely and relished sharing with others. 

He watched TV, but only sports. He was an early adopter when new technology (such as dishwashers, microwaves, and portable radios) came on the market. Roger was a member of the Post 22 American Legion and the Elks Organization. While not much for chatting, he would come whenever needed to lend a hand with chores, projects, or problems. When people joined his efforts, he would make it a fun experience involving food, drinks, stories, jokes, and antics. He was ever-eager to begin the next project. His favorite parts were planning and inventing, reminiscing about the process that led to the finished product, and the bonds formed while working.

Roger is survived by his daughter Stacey Falzarano (husband Tad Falzarano) of Lebanon, NH; daughter Robin White (partner Justin Robinson) of Wilder, VT; his grandsons Logan and Braeden Falzarano as well as Nate and Harper Robinson whom he thought of as family. He is also survived by his sister Rita Clark of Lebanon, NH and nieces and nephews, including Karen (Walsh) Moore, Kevin Walsh, and Sean Walsh of NH; Anita (Clark) Schmitt of TX, Steven Clark of CA and their many children and grandchildren. Roger was predeceased by his wife Nancy, parents Ruth and Chauncey, sister Shirley (White) Walsh, and sister Carleen (White) Overbeck.

SERVICES: While no formal services will be held, a celebration of life will be planned for a later date (in spring/summer in or near Lebanon, NH). Family and friends are invited to attend. Please email rogercwhite5@gmail.com to request information.

Those who wish may contribute to a scholarship to be established in Roger’s memory. It will go to a hard-working, fun-loving Lebanon High School varsity athlete pursuing a career in the trades. Contributions may be sent to Stacey Falzarano (by mail to 485 Meriden Rd, Lebanon, NH 03766, or by Venmo @Stacey-Falzarano).